The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Gangtok, under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India has achieved significant milestones during the first 100 days of the current government. These accomplishments reflect RARI's commitment to enhancing healthcare through Ayurveda and contributing to the broader Ayush ecosystem..
1. Geriatric Care Program: RARI exceeded its target of treating 500 elderly individuals, reaching 539 patients through its special OPD. The program provided consultations, therapies, and lifestyle advice rooted in holistic Ayurveda, improving the quality of life for senior citizens.
2. Outreach in Underserved Communities: Under the SCSP and THCRP programs, RARI conducted 116 tours, treating 1,730 patients and surveying 458 households. The initiative identified lifestyle disorders through 1,944 lab investigations, emphasizing preventive healthcare in marginalized communities.
3. Academic Collaboration: RARI launched a research project with SRC, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment to develop agro-techniques for high-value medicinal plants in the Himalayan region. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable cultivation practices, especially benefiting Sikkim’s farmers.
4. Research and Publications: The institute completed a Medico-Ethno Botanical survey in West Bengal and is currently managing 10 research projects. RARI also published articles in reputed national and international journals.
5. Pharmacovigilance for Patient Safety: RARI is monitoring adverse reactions to Ayurvedic medicines to ensure safe treatment outcomes. Eleven adverse reactions were reported, showcasing a proactive approach to patient safety.
6. NABH Accreditation: RARI has achieved NABH accreditation, recognizing its high standards in healthcare delivery.
7. Social Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: RARI actively participated in national campaigns such as Swachhata Pakhwada and Rashtriya Poshan Maah. It conducted health camps, awareness lectures, and distributed millet-based cookies to raise awareness about health and nutrition, reaching hundreds of beneficiaries across Sikkim.
8. Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit: RARI’s SMPU conducted a 30-day survey in Sikkim, Meghalaya, and West Bengal, collecting and documenting local medicinal plants. The unit is managing five ongoing projects and plans to upgrade to NABL standards.
9. 9th Ayurveda Day Celebration: On October 29, 2024, RARI will celebrate Ayurveda Day with seminars, webinars, public lectures, and school competitions focused on “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health.”
10. International Conference: RARI, along with IBSD and SFE-India, will host an international conference in November 2024 on “Bioeconomy from Bioresources,” promoting traditional resources of the Northeast for a developed India.
11. Infrastructure and Initiatives: RARI is upgrading its laboratory facilities and expanding its OPD services through three sub-centers. It is also initiating new clinical studies and strengthening its Pharmacovigilance center to ensure patient safety and enhance Ayurvedic treatments.
Key Achievements of Ministry of Ayush in 100 Days:
1-Donor Agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO)
A donor agreement was signed by the Ministry of Ayush and WHO on July 31, 2024, at the WHO headquarters in Geneva. This agreement demonstrates India's dedication to working with international health organizations and improving the integration of Ayush systems into the global healthcare system. The collaboration seeks to provide evidence-based traditional medicine with a stronger foundation.
2. MoU with Vietnam on Medicinal Plants
India and Vietnam inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) centered on cooperation in medicinal plants on August 1, 2024. This agreement signed in the august presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart, is a major step toward advancing traditional medicine practices worldwide. To encourage the sharing of information, resources, and research in this area, Vietnam's Traditional Medicine Administration and India's National Medicinal Plants Board will collaborate closely.
3 Landmark MoU with Malaysia on Ayurveda
India and Malaysia have taken a significant step in advancing traditional medicine by signing an agreement on Ayurveda. This partnership will promote research, knowledge exchange, and the creation of Ayurvedic treatment regimens. It opens a new chapter in the development of India and Malaysia's bilateral relations. An Ayurveda Chair has been operationalized at the Universiti Tunku A bdul Rahman(UTAR) as an outcome of the MoU between INSTITUTE OF TEACHING & RESEARCH IN AYURVEDA and Universiti Tunku abdul Rahman(UTAR).
4. Promoting the “One Herb, One Standard” Initiative
On August 6, 2024, the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding to carry out the "One Herb, One Standard" initiative with a larger objective to improve quality of medicines in the sector. By standardizing herbal medications, this initiative seeks to increase the efficacy and security of pharmaceuticals throughout India. Aligning with global health standards and bolstering confidence in traditional medicines are crucial goals of this move.
5. Special Medical Stores for Ayush Medicines
To guarantee easy access to Ayush medications, Shri Prataprao Jadhav announced on August 26, 2024, that the government intended to open special medical stores at every tehsil level. Access to a variety of herbal and traditional medicines will be made possible by these stores, improving public healthcare in both urban and rural areas.
6. NABH evaluation of 1489 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) completed
According to the report received from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), the evaluation of 1489 Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush) has been completed, and 1005 of these AAM (Ayush) have been certified for Ayush Entry Level Certification (AELC). This initiative is an important step in ensuring quality healthcare services under the National Ayush Mission.
Major Campaigns and Initiatives:
7. “Har Ghar AyurYog” Campaign for a Healthier India
The "Har Ghar AyurYog" initiative was started by the Ministry with the goal of increasing the uptake of Ayurveda and Yoga in communities. Including yoga in the Fit India School certification is one of the highlights. “Bharat Ka Prakriti Parikshan” abhiyan to be at the core of the initiative and the broad roadmap to involve stakeholders across the country has been prepared.
8. Ayush Camps for Geriatric Population
Ministry of Ayush committed to organise 10,000 camps for elderly citizens within the time frame of 100 days. Beating the target, 14,692 Ayush camps were organised around the country in a massive outreach effort to meet the healthcare needs of the elderly. Free consultations, therapies, and guidance on holistic health using Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and homoeopathy were offered at these camps.
9. Centers of Excellence in Ayush
In partnership with esteemed establishments like IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, TMC Mumbai, and JNU New Delhi, six new Centers of Excellence were founded. These centers, which have been granted ?52.47 crore in funding, will concentrate on cutting-edge traditional medicine research, teaching, and healthcare innovation.
10. Inclusion of Ayush Packages in AB-PMJAY
The Ministry convened a review meeting to incorporate Ayurvedic packages under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to incorporate Ayush treatment into mainstream healthcare. To finalize cost structures and guarantee the affordability of Ayush treatments under the program, a Strategic Purchasing Committee has been established.
11. Phase II of All India Institute of Ayurveda(AIIA), New Delhi
AIIA Phase II to be an advanced center for Ayurvedic research and treatment. A 194-bed hospital, an Ayurvedic Sports Medicine Complex, and Panchkarma treatment rooms are among the amenities included in this phase. At a total cost of ?289.05 crore, the project will greatly improve Ayurvedic research and training capabilities.
12. National Institute of Ayurveda, Panchkula, Haryana
The National Institute of Ayurveda coming up in
Panchkula, Haryana, with a ?294.91 crore investment. This institute
will function as a top-tier teaching and research facility with a
250-bed hospital and undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs
in Ayurveda.
13. Three Central Research Institutes on Yoga and Naturopathy
The preliminary process for establishing three Central Research Institutes for Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN) in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh has been completed.
Swachhata Campaign:
The Swachhata Hi Sewa (SHS) 2024 campaign, which focused on cleanliness drives and citizen participation and was co-organized by SBM-Gramin and SBM-Urban saw active participation from the Ministry.
Important highlights consist of
Swachhata Mein Jan Bhaagidari: encouraging communal and individual cleanliness via pledges, contests, and planting campaigns.
Mega Cleanliness Drives: These campaigns focus on making public areas like roads, train stations, and bodies of water clean and aesthetically pleasing while paying special attention to removing stains.
Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs: Health and welfare camps that provide preventive healthcare and connect sanitation workers with government welfare programs.
